History and Culture
From Bogota to the ramparts of Cartagena, a journey through Colombia's most beautiful colonial jewels
Duration
11 days
From
€2,510/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
A country with a rich history blending pre-Columbian and European influences, with exceptional natural heritage ranging from semi-deserts to equatorial forest via high volcanoes and Caribbean beaches, with multiple and multifaceted cultures and a warm population, Colombia has everything to fascinate visitors. There is something here for every taste, whether you are an art lover, archaeology enthusiast, nature lover, keen on meetings and exchanges or a party-goer!
This itinerary offers a historical and cultural discovery of some of the most beautiful villages and cities in the country: Bogota, Villa De Leyva, Barichara, Guane, Mompox, ending with the Pearl of the Caribbean, the beautiful Cartagena.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Walking tour of Bogota
Today we set out to discover the historic center of the Colombian capital: Candelaria. We explore its narrow streets with vibrant colors on foot and admire its lovely houses flanked by carved wooden balconies. During our wanderings we will not fail to pass by Bolivar Square and Plaza del Chorro, which reveal to us beautiful buildings with colonial architecture.
In the afternoon we head towards two of the most interesting museums in the city: the Gold Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of gold objects and emeralds dating from the pre-Columbian era, and the Botero Museum which presents the works of some of the greatest Colombian artists.
Note: Gold Museum closed on Mondays, Botero Museum closed on Tuesdays.
On the way to the countryside
A change of scenery: we leave behind the urban hustle and bustle today for rural Colombie. The department of Boyoca, north of Bogota, is one of the most rural and agricultural in the country, offering peaceful landscapes and a wide variety of culinary and craft specialties. Our destination is the magnificent colonial village of Villa De Leyva.
Upon arrival we set off immediately to explore the town, where points of interest abound: the Plaza Mayor, workshops and boutiques, remnants of Spanish colonization… Two particularly remarkable sites are the Mill of Mesopotamia (a witness to life under the Spanish era) and the Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites (a community living in seclusion for nearly 4 centuries).
Around Villa de Leyva
The day is devoted to a deeper discovery of Villa de Leyva and its surroundings. We make several leaps into the past, to the fossil museum then to the archaeological park, where we learn a little more about the muisca civilization, the pre-Columbian people who lived in these places before the arrival of the conquistadors. The Santo Eccehomo monastery offers a restful setting thanks to its magnificent flowering courtyard with colonnades.
Half an hour to the south, the village of Raquira is Colombia's pottery capital. The tradition dates back before the Spanish invasion and permeates this pretty colorful village where craftsmanship is found at every corner.
Along the Andes Route
We are setting off this morning on the Andes road heading towards the small town of Barichara, one of the most beautiful in the country. The journey unveils the spectacular landscapes of the Santander department, conducive to numerous extreme sports such as paragliding, rafting and zip-lining.
Barichara is a small piece of paradise. An enchanting tranquility emanates from the village, which despite being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has managed to preserve its calm and simplicity. It is a joy to wander aimlessly through its old streets discovering its charming little houses, its stone churches and its craft workshops, which we make sure to visit.
On the Royal Path
It is by a hike that we begin our day. The Camino Real is an ancient paved path built by Native Americans and used by the conquistadors in their colonial advance. It connects Barichara to the small village of Guane through a very beautiful countryside. In Guane, whose white houses and paved streets are similar to those of Barichara, we visit the archaeological museum (closed on Wednesdays), before heading back.
Travel to Barrancabermeja and check-in at the hotel.
Down the River
Barrancabermeja → El Banco
An unusual program awaits us today. In order to avoid long hours on the road, we spend most of the day on board a typical boat (chaloupe). Six hours of navigation along the legendary Rio Magdalena are necessary to reach El Banco. Rudimentary conditions (limited space and possible bad weather - bring a light sweater and a waterproof jacket) but guaranteed memories!
Mompox, colonial jewel
Mompox (or Mompós) is a small colonial town wonderfully preserved, which stretches lazily along the Rio Magdalena. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is probably its relative isolation and the time needed to reach it that have preserved the absolute calm of these timeless places bathed in sunshine. Very few motorized vehicles, smiling inhabitants on their doorsteps, time flows slowly here. We stroll peacefully and admire the colonial houses, churches, parks, cultural museum as well as an artisan workshop.
In the afternoon to cool off we take a boat ride on the river, discovering the birds and reptiles that inhabit the Pijiño marshes.
The sunset over the river is a moment of contemplation and wonder.
Towards the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena de Indias
A grand city and gateway to the Spanish empire in South America, a major hub for slave trade and the transit of Aztec and Inca gold on its way to Spain, bordered by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lush vegetation of the inland areas, Cartagena fascinates visitors in more ways than one. We spend several hours strolling through its colorful historic streets where colonial architecture abounds. The neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo are obviously on our itinerary, along with Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Bolívar Park, the Gold Museum, Plaza de Santa Teresa, Plaza de Santo Domingo, the city walls and Las Bóvedas.
To conclude our stay in the temple of Afro-Caribbean music, the afternoon is dedicated to salsa! We take a dance class at the dance academy, in the historic center, a vibrant and warm place conducive to exchanges with locals.
Free evening to enjoy the charm and atmosphere of the city.
Have a good trip!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Meals not mentioned (estimate 3 to 15 € per meal per person)
- Personal expenses
- The entries to sites not specified in the program
- National park entrances, individual tourism taxes (San Andrés, Leticia, Nuqui, Bahía Solano, La Macarena airports and Cartagena pier)
- Medical and repatriation insurance
- Tips
- VAT for Colombians and residents in Colombia
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- The accommodations mentioned or similar depending on availability
- Land transports in a private and air-conditioned vehicle
- Les trajets en bateau mentionnés
- Breakfasts (not guaranteed if early departure from the hotel)
- The services of local professional English-speaking guides (subject to availability)
- The activities mentioned and site entries
- Our 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Colombia for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Colombia.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the country. An extension of an additional 90 days can generally be requested on-site with Colombian immigration services (Migración Colombia), up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Immigration registration
Upon arrival in Colombia, travelers must present themselves to Migración Colombia controls. A migration control form may be provided to fill out before or during the flight, or may be available in digital format depending on the entry point.
Information generally required includes:
passport information
flight details and entry point
address of your first accommodation in Colombia
It is recommended to keep the entry stamp or document provided by immigration to present when leaving the country.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Colombia from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended depending on the regions you visit:
vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for stays in tropical areas (the Amazon, Llanos, certain coasts) and may be required when departing for other countries,
vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are advised.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Colombia in their country of residence.
We strongly recommend that you have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage before participating in our trips.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend purchasing one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a stay in Colombia, a valid passport for the entire planned duration is required. Proof of departure from the country may be requested at boarding. Visa exemption periods vary depending on your nationality. Before booking, consult the Colombian consular authorities to find out the rules applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Colombia remains affordable compared to its premium Andean neighbours.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and leave with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Andes
Explorer of Colombia's many faces, based in Carthagène
Colombia is a country that constantly surprises. Each region has its own atmosphere, its own pace, its own light… and it's often this diversity that leaves the strongest impression on travelers.
— Caroline
